ATKV Tjokkertoneel. The stage lights are still shining bright for the young actors of Curro Durbanville Primary School. They are basking in the spotlight of their stellar production AGT. The remarkable production clinched top honours at both the ATKV Tjokkertoneel National Finals and the Curro Create National Youth Theatre Festival Finals.

Directed and written by the school’s very own drama teacher, Cecilia Wesson, AGT is a captivating production that weaves together eight girls’ stories. This happens through monologues, dialogue, song, dance, laughter, and tears, led to a shocking revelation. The gifted young actors evoked both empathy and sympathy from their audiences, taking them on an emotional journey.

AGT

The ATKV Tjokkertoneel National Finals, which were held at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg from, 3 to 6 October. It featured AGT as one of the top six primary school productions from across the country. Among these outstanding performances, AGT stood out as a shining star.

Riaan Stroebel, the Executive Head of Curro Durbanville Primary School, expressed his delight. “We are immensely proud of our talented learners and the dedication of our drama teacher, Cecilia Wesson. AGT’s success is a testament to the incredible teamwork and creativity within our school community. It is amazing to see our learners representing their school and community at the National Finals with such excitement and vigour.”

Cecilia Wesson, the visionary behind AGT, shared her sentiments about the girls’ extraordinary journey. “The opportunity provided by the ATKV was remarkable. For primary school learners to be part of such a high standard and professional competition was an experience they will treasure forever. What a journey it has been. The learners impressed me with their determination, hard work, and ability to adapt to change. They truly are eight very talented and amazing girls.”

Stealing the spotlight

At the ATKV Tjokkertoneel National Finals, AGT secured several accolades, including, Best Actress in a Leading Role (Judi Hattingh, Grade 5), Best Director (Cecilia Wesson), and Best Ensemble (Risa Burger, Grade 7, Christina Marx, Grade 7, Lucy Morillion, Grade 7, Elizabeth Coetzer, Grade 6, Jana Muller, Grade 6, Leonie Zimmermann, Grade 6, Annabella Stam, Grade 5, and Judi Hattingh, Grade 5.

The production AGT also received the Best Production gong, bringing home a cash prize of R10,000 and the ATKV Tjokkertoneel Trophy, as well as a nomination in the Best Handling of Technical Aspects category.

In addition to its triumph at ATKV Tjokkertoneel, AGT left an indelible mark at the Curro Create National Youth Theatre Festival Finals, which took place at Woodhill College in Pretoria on Friday, 6 October and forms part of the independent school group’s initiative that aims to elevate creativity and the performing arts among its learners.

At Curro Create National Youth Theatre Festival Finals, AGT was featured as one of the top four primary school productions and received awards in the Best Production and Best Newly Written Script category (Cecilia Wesson). All eight learners also received the prestigious Theatre Wings for Excellence award, marking the first time in the festival’s history that all actors in a production received this honour.

Additionally, the production was nominated in several categories, including Best Actress, Most Promising Actor and Best Director, making it a theatrical sensation that will be remembered for years to come.